How do you get an audience engaged when you're just starting a business?
You've got great ideas you want to share with the world! Now how do you get someone other than your parents engaging with your brand and marketing efforts?
#1 - Give Your Audience Valuable Information
If you don't know who your audience is, check out my post on how to determine your Target Audience first.
After you determine your audience, start listening to them. What problems do they have that you can help solve? What platforms are they already on that you can engage with them? Facebook Groups, anyone? Responding to what your audience is telling you they need is the BEST way to get them engaged and keep them that way.
What problems does your audience have that you can help solve?
#2 - Start Small - One Piece of Content at a Time
Break your content up into bite-sized pieces. Not only does this give you a TON of material, it allows your audience to absorb it more easily rather than being overwhelmed by information.
#3 - Develop a Theme
Your theme can change over the course of time, but picking a topic to talk about for several weeks provides your audience with consistency. For example, I'm in a series about Target Markets right now and will focus on this for an entire month. I've broken my marketing plan up into 12 mini-series (one for each month of the year) which also helps give me a direction for content and planning purposes.
#4 - Track Results and Adjust Accordingly
There is no rule saying you can't adjust! If you're not getting the results you want with the direction you're heading, change it! Just be sure to have some actual data to judge by. You most likely won't get a ton of engagement overnight so let the campaign run its course for a little bit before you completely switch gears.
#5 - Build on Trending Topics
The hard thing about the digital world is that you think you know the trends and then BOOM, they change. Pay attention to what's going on and filter content in alongside what you already have scheduled.
#6 - Post Pictures
People want to know you're real! This is your business. Be proud and show people the face of your company!
#7 - Post Regularly and at the Best Time of Day
Posting quality content regularly is what's going to get you seen across social media networks.
Remember - Set Realistic Goals
Even if your only goal is to post 3-5 times a week at the best time across all social media platforms, that is better than nothing! Track your results, engage with your audience, and most of all, show them your authentic self through your marketing. That's what will keep them coming back.